New engineering training programme opens doors for young people across the North East

The Go-Ahead Group, parent company of Go North East, is investing in the region’s next generation of engineers - creating high-quality career opportunities for local people as part of a multi-million-pound national training programme.

The initiative includes the launch of two state-of-the-art engineering academies, one serving the north of England and the other the south. These new facilities will deliver cutting-edge training for apprentices and provide upskilling for hundreds of engineers across the UK, including the team at Go North East.

Young people joining Go North East as engineering apprentices will benefit from world-class training, including hands-on experience with zero-emission vehicle technology, before beginning their careers on the ground.

The programme is designed to open up skilled careers to people from all backgrounds, including funding driving lessons and exams for successful applicants.

Go North East’s existing team of engineers will also benefit from ongoing technical training, leadership development and qualifications tailored to the future of sustainable public transport.

Nigel Featham, Managing Director at Go North East, said: “We’re proud to be investing in the region’s future and helping young people build brilliant careers here in the North East. This is about creating long-term opportunities.

"We want to attract more young people into engineering, especially from under-represented groups, and this programme offers the tools, support and high standards they deserve. At the same time, we’re backing our existing team with the skills they need for the transport network of the future - one that’s clean, green, and digitally connected.”

The investment forms part of Go-Ahead’s wider strategy to support the transition to zero-emission transport.

The first wave of apprentices will join the new programme this summer.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Go North East runs a network of bus routes across the North East region including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and surrounding areas.

The Go-Ahead Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of public transport, enabling more than a billion passenger journeys each year on its bus and rail services. Go-Ahead places great importance on partnership, adopting a collaborative approach with governments, local communities and strategic partners; developing and operating services that create long-term value for all.

For more information about Go-Ahead Group visit www.go-ahead.com.